
An international collaboration project to develop plastic-free food packaging material from food waste, initially langoustine shells, has been awarded £268,284.
John McGlynn will be joining the organisation from Sustainable Marine Energy Ltd in Kirkwall where he was the company’s head of commercial development.
Originally from Dublin, John has been involved with Orkney’s renewable energy sector since he relocated to the island to study for an MSc in renewable energy development at Heriot Watt University in Stromness in 2009.
His considerable background in the tidal, ocean energy and broader low carbon sector includes working for Scotrenewables Tidal Power (now known as Orbital Marine Power) and the Inter-American Development Bank.
John’s role at ORIC will include developing and implementing the organisation’s strategy, leading on business and marketing plans and responsibility for working with tenants and stakeholders involved in the project.
He said: “I am hugely excited to be taking on this role and I look forward to engaging with the Board and stakeholders as well as working nationally and internationally to attract and retain new tenants and clients to create a vibrant institution that Orkney and Scotland can be proud of.”
ORIC is a joint venture led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Orkney Islands Council (OIC) to support the growing research and innovation activity and the expansion of companies in Orkney’s marine renewable energy sector and other innovative business areas. The project involves the renovation of the Old Academy and the former Stromness Primary School.
While the Old Academy is already home to the European Marine Energy Centre, Heriot Watt University’s International Centre for Island Technology, Aquatera, SULA Diving, the campus project is designed to attract additional research activities to Orkney, both from the commercial and academic worlds, and build on the wealth of knowledge and experience that has been built up locally.
Work on the campus, funded by HIE, OIC and the Scottish Government, is well underway with the first phase of work at the Old Academy to be complete in February and a further phase at the old Stromness Primary School to reach completion in the summer.
Tracy Shimmield, chair of ORIC, said: “We are delighted to appoint John and we look forward to working with him to bring this important development to fruition. We are currently working with all our partners to develop this vital centre which will support the growth of existing businesses and the creation of new ones, in turn providing more opportunities to attract and retain more people to live, work and study in Orkney.”
HIE is investing £4.65 million in the campus project, including £1.48 million of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money. OIC is investing £2 million, including £0.5 million of Scottish Government Regeneration Funding, in addition to transferring ownership of the Old Academy and former Stromness primary school to the partnership.
Ends.
An international collaboration project to develop plastic-free food packaging material from food waste, initially langoustine shells, has been awarded £268,284.
R&B Distillers, owners of the Isle of Raasay Distillery, has secured up to £200,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Plans by an adventure tourism company in Argyll to create more choice for visitors and extend to year-round operations, have secured a £70,000 contribution from HIE.
A family run business on the isle of Bute is embarking on a £330,000 expansion project that will double its workforce and boost turnover.
Businesses in the Highlands and Islands looking to develop their use of digital technology and innovation are set to benefit from a new £465,000 support programme.
An ambitious new programme of activities is being developed for the food and drink industry to raise awareness of innovation and opportunities presented by new technologies.
Contracts for Difference (CfD) have been awarded to four projects in the Highlands and Islands – Muaitheabhail and Druim Leathann windfarms in Lewis and Costa Head and Hesta Head Windfarms in Orkney.
HIE has approved a £251,575 investment in the design and delivery of an adventure tourism business support programme, believed to be the first of its kind.
TV and film producers in Scotland are being encouraged to apply for a new fund launched today (Friday 6 September).
Eighteen staff at MacTV at Isle of Lewis-based MacTV have been given a stake in the business after it becomes Scotland’s latest employee-owned business.
A social enterprise in Dingwall, Easter Ross has started its own gin production as part of a £222,860 investment.
An Argyll renewables company is to increase its production capacity and boost turnover after securing investment of up to £20,307 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).